Irman Gusman: The Public Is Waiting, The Asset Forfeiture Bill Must Be Completed This Year

16 July 2026 oleh admin

Jakarta, dpd.go.id – Senator representing West Sumatra, Irman Gusman, has welcomed the government's commitment to finalize deliberations on the Asset Forfeiture Bill by 2026.

The former two-term Speaker of Indonesia's House of Regional Representatives (DPD RI) said the public has waited long enough for legislation that can strengthen efforts to combat corruption and economic crimes while ensuring that illicit assets are recovered for the benefit of the state and society.

Irman, a senior statesman born in Padang Panjang, noted that amid growing speculation suggesting the Asset Forfeiture Bill had been rejected or was no longer a legislative priority, the public deserves accurate and comprehensive information.

He emphasized that the Asset Forfeiture Bill remains listed in the 2026 National Legislative Program (Prolegnas) Priority List, making it an official part of the national legislative agenda. Therefore, public attention should no longer focus on debates over the bill's status, but rather on ensuring that its deliberation is completed without further delay.

"The public is waiting. Since the Asset Forfeiture Bill remains part of the 2026 Priority National Legislative Program, its deliberation must be accelerated so it can be completed this year," Irman said in a written statement on Tuesday (July 15).

According to Irman, the Asset Forfeiture Bill is a crucial element in strengthening good governance and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement.

He pointed out that while many corruption and economic crime cases have resulted in criminal convictions, efforts to recover assets obtained through those crimes have often fallen short.

Nevertheless, Irman stressed that accelerating the legislative process must not come at the expense of the bill's quality. He argued that the legislation must be firmly grounded in the principles of the rule of law, the protection of human rights, due process of law, and robust judicial oversight.

"The state must take firm action against the proceeds of crime, but it must never disregard the rights of its citizens. The government's authority to confiscate criminal assets must go hand in hand with legal certainty, transparency, and adequate oversight mechanisms," he said.

The Chairman of the Economic and MSME Expert Council of Muhammadiyah's Central Executive Board (PP Muhammadiyah) also observed that one of the greatest challenges in drafting the bill is finding the right balance between strengthening asset recovery and upholding constitutional principles.

He emphasized that every asset forfeiture mechanism must be supported by clear evidentiary standards, carried out through a transparent and reviewable legal process, and provide legal protection for good-faith third parties.

Irman further called for the legislative process to remain open to broad public participation. He believes that contributions from academics, legal practitioners, civil society organizations, business leaders, and other stakeholders will enrich the substance of the bill and strengthen its legitimacy.

"The deliberation process must be transparent and participatory. The more constructive input we receive, the stronger the resulting legislation will be. We want a law that effectively combats corruption while also guaranteeing justice, legal certainty, and the protection of citizens' rights," he said.

Irman expressed hope that the House of Representatives (DPR) and the government would seize the current momentum to complete the Asset Forfeiture Bill within 2026.

"Finalizing the Asset Forfeiture Bill will be a strategic milestone in strengthening Indonesia's national legal system while meeting the public's expectations for a more effective and just anti-corruption framework," he concluded.